I’m currently working on a screenplay in which one of the characters has a very moment-by-moment walk with God. Personally, I’ve always been intrigued with the well-known book by Brother Lawrence entitled The Practice of the Presence of God. In the case of this particular character (her name is Beatrice), she read the book early in her Christian life and took steps to implement Lawrence’s teaching. As a result, she lives in God’s presence in a way that most people today don’t. Now, as the writer, it feels a bit odd creating a character who knows God better than I do.
In some ways, it’s rather convicting: I ask myself ‘why don’t you do this like she did? She has a much more satisfying relationship with God than you do. And she’s happier on a day-to-day basis.’ Which I guess is why I’m interested in creating her: what is it really like to know God in the way that Brother Lawrence did? He says “There is no sweeter manner of living in the world than continuous communication with God. Only those who have experienced it can understand.” I have a suspicion that this is what God was really after when He created Adam and desire to walk with him “in the cool of the day.” I think sin has completely obscured this basic point of our existence – there is really nothing more important.
It reminds me of that mysterious passage in Genesis about Enoch, who clearly had a close relationship with God: “Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” (Gen 5:24)
If you’re interested in reading Brother Lawrence’s book for free, there are multiple editions on the internet. Here are a few links: HTML – PDF – EPUB. Or you can buy the book on Amazon.
